Homestay owner Ly Hong Thu makes up the guest rooms and prepares fresh linens
Preserving Dao Heritage Through Authentic Experiences
Stepping into Nam Dam, visitors are greeted by an idyllic rural scene - traditional rammed-earth homes shaded by ancient trees, where locals wear their elegant Dao attire daily. Artisan Ly Dai Thong plays a vital role in keeping Dao culture alive. With dedication, he records ancient folk songs using the traditional Dao script and teaches them to the village youth. As he told reporter:
“People come to Nam Dam because of our hospitality and the living spirit of Dao culture. That’s why we constantly remind ourselves to preserve our heritage. The best preservation is to pass it on to the younger generation.”
He has helped revive key Dao rituals, including the Cap Sac initiation ceremony, script lessons, traditional songs, and costume-making.
The community lives by the motto: Preserve culture through tourism, and enrich tourism through culture. With 68 Dao households - 34 of which offer homestay accommodations - the village generated around VND 2.5 billion in tourism income in just the first half of 2025. Village leader Ly Ta Danh notes visitors don’t just stay - they immerse themselves in everyday Dao life. Highlights include folk performances, herbal baths, farm experiences, trekking, and authentic mountain cuisine. The annual Qingming fish-catching festival, held in a communal pond maintained year-round by villagers, stands out as a joyful cultural event open to visitors.
Professional and Personalized Hospitality
Nam Dam’s unique cultural appeal is its key tourism asset. Homestay owner Ly Hong Thu reflects on how official support helped shape her approach:
“After Nam Dam was selected as a model community tourism village, I had the opportunity to learn from successful models, use social media to promote our heritage, and create richer guest experiences.”
Her homestay now features cultural performances, cooking workshops, and trekking tours. Since the start of the year, she has welcomed more than 1,000 guests and earns VND 10–15 million monthly—supporting her family and enabling further investment in her hospitality business.
After over a decade of development aligned with the national rural development program, Nam Dam has earned recognition for excellence. In 2017, its homestays met ASEAN standards; in 2023, the village received the ASEAN Community-Based Tourism Award. Most importantly, the younger generation has embraced their identity - many are learning the Dao script and traditional arts, and some are opening new, culturally inspired homestays that blend innovation with tradition.
Visitors experiencing traditional rice planting alongside Dao villagers in Nam Dam
Hanoi visitor Pham Thi Hong reflects on her experience:
“I felt my daily worries melt away. The tranquility and closeness to nature were truly healing. Above all, the intact Dao identity gives Nam Dam its distinctive charm.”
Nam Dam stands out as a shining example of cultural tourism in Tuyen Quang - where authenticity, love of heritage, and community creativity combine to create a living, sustainable story.
Nguyen Thanh Hieu
Vietnamese data source: Bao Tuyen Quang
